What are Human Rights in Islam?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Islam clearly commands unqualified tolerance towards all human beings. In fact, Islam defends humanity against all criminal behavior including discrimination. The life, honor and property of all citizens in an Islamic State are considered sacred.
Islam does not seek to restrict human rights or privileges to a geographical boundary. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, reminded everyone saying: "O mankind you are all the children of Adam and Adam was created from dust."Islam has laid down some fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be respected under all circumstances whether a person is at peace with the Islamic state or at war. It opposes all those who exploit, oppress and deal unjustly with people. The Holy Qur'an very clearly states:
“O believers! Be steadfast for the sake of Allah and bear true witness and let not the enmity of a people incite you to do injustice; do justice; that is nearer to piety. Fear Allah, surely, Allah is fully aware of all your actions." Al-Qur'an 5:8
Freedom of choice is laid down in the Qur'an, saying: “There is no compulsion in religion.” Al-Qur'an 2:256
This principle is the basis for establishing universal peace. Islam integrates races and colors and encourages tolerance, friendliness and compassion among human beings. This humanitarianism is easily discerned in the general Islamic principles. God says: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other)." Al-Qur'an 49: 13
Islam protects all noble values and human rights. Freedom, equality, justice, and the right to life, liberty, and security of person are of prime concern in Islamic law. “Whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind..." Al-Qur'an 5:32
Good is the reward for the righteous people in this world and the home of the hereafter will be even better, and splendid will be the home for the righteous
Islam places great emphasis on social justice and does not permit to oppress
men, women, children, old people, orphans, the sick or the wounded. Women's honor and chastity are to be respected under all circumstances.
The hungry person must be fed, the wounded and sick must be provided
medical treatment irrespective of whether they belong to the Muslim community or or from among the
enemies. Human rights have been granted by God, not by any king or legislative assembly. No legislative
assembly or government has the right or authority to amend, change or abrogate the rights conferred by God.
These rights include:
- The Security of Life and Property
- The Protection of Honor
- Sanctity and Security of Private Life
- The Security of Personal Freedom
- The Right to Protest Against Tyranny
- Freedom of Expression
- Freedom of association
- Freedom of Conscience and Conviction
- Protection of Religious Sentiments
- Protection from Arbitrary Imprisonment
- The right to Basic Necessities of Life
- Equality before Law – Rulers are not above Law
- The right to participate in the Affairs of State
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together and be not divided among yourselves
The verdict of the Holy Qur'an is very clear and unequivocal: “Those who do not judge by what God has sent down, they are the disbelievers ... they are the transgressors ... they are the wrong doers." Al-Qur'an 5:44, 46 and 47